On September 8, Beijing time, the 2022 Qatar
World Cup
The third phase of the Asian qualifiers, also known as Group B of the 12-team tournament, came to an end with the second round of fixtures. Saudi Arabia won a narrow 1-0 away victory over Oman at the Sultan Qaboos Sports City in Muscat, thanks to a crucial goal from striker Shehri. After two rounds of play, Australia and Saudi Arabia are tied on six points, but due to goal difference, Australia is temporarily leading the way, while Japan and Oman are third and fourth in the group with three points respectively. China and Vietnam both suffered two consecutive defeats, with China's goal difference at -4 and Vietnam's at -3, thus placing China at the bottom of the group.
Saudi Arabia had more time on the ball at the start of the match, but neither side showed a threatening attack. By the 42nd minute, Faraj's cross from the right side of the field was deftly played by Al-Muwallad with his heel on the right side of the box to Al-Shehri, who grabbed a right-footed sweeping shot from near the penalty spot before the defenders could break it down, helping Saudi Arabia take a 1-0 lead at halftime.
Both sides continued to be sparse in their attacks during the changeover. Oman tried to change the situation. In stoppage time, Oman came close when Salah fired a shot from the edge of the penalty area, but the ball was blocked by Saudi Arabia's goalkeeper Owais. In stoppage time, Oman missed another chance to shoot into an empty net from close range when Makbari pushed a shot over the bar. In the end, Saudi Arabia beat Oman 1-0 to tie with Australia for their second straight win.
Oman lineup (4-3-1-2): goalkeeper 18 Faiz; defenders 17 Busaidi, 5 Jumaa, 6 Hamisi, 14 Amjad (67'4-Airshad); midfielders 8 Zahir, 23 Khalib, 12 Abdullah (67'21-Gailani); forwards 20 Salah ; 19-Omar (67'2-Isam), 7-Hajri (75'9-Makbari)
Saudi Arabia lineup (4-2-3-1): goalkeeper 21 Owais; defenders 2 Ghanam, 17 Amri, 3 Madu, 13 Shahrani; midfielders 8 Maleki (88'14 Otaif), 23 Kano; strikers 19 Mouarad (90'5 Burai), 7 Faraj, 10-Dosari; 11-Shehri (15-Yehaia)
